As we age, it becomes quite apparent that taking care of our bodies is a duty that we must not overlook—and so, this comes with the responsibility of keeping our health in check by going to healthcare providers to ensure that we are all safe and well.
But life happens, and there will be some unexpected changes here and there, which will lead to instances where you’d need to have some tests conducted on your body to check on some conditions.
This is where computed tomography scans or CT scans typically come in, as they provide clear and detailed images of the body’s internal structures, allowing healthcare providers to pinpoint, diagnose, monitor, and treat various medical conditions.
However, a lot of people may still be skeptical of what a CT scan is, especially those unfamiliar with its technicalities.
So, how does a CT scan work? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it.
What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, uses X-rays and advanced computer technology to produce detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike standard X-rays, which show only flat, two-dimensional images, a CT scan offers a comprehensive, three-dimensional view of your organs, bones, and soft tissues.
During the scan, you’ll lie on a table that moves through a large, doughnut-shaped machine known as a gantry. As the table moves, an X-ray tube rotates around your body, sending out narrow beams of X-rays. Detectors on the opposite side measure how much radiation each part of your body absorbs.
The collected data is then processed by a computer to generate detailed, slice-like images of your body. These images can be viewed individually or combined to create a complete 3D picture, allowing doctors to examine your body from multiple perspectives.
Why Would a Doctor Order a CT Scan?
Doctors may recommend a CT scan for various reasons, including:
- Diagnosing diseases or injuries
- Planning and guiding medical procedures
- Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments
- Detecting internal bleeding or tumors
- Evaluating bone and joint problems
CT scans are particularly useful when a more detailed view is needed than what standard X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs can provide. They’re often used in emergency situations to quickly assess injuries from accidents or to investigate sudden symptoms like severe headaches or abdominal pain.
What Does a CT Scan Show?
CT scans provide highly detailed images of various body structures, including:
- Bones and joints
- Soft tissues (muscles, fat, and organs)
- Blood vessels
- Brain tissue
- Lung tissue
- Abdominal organs
The level of detail in CT scans allows doctors to detect even small abnormalities that might not be visible with other imaging techniques. This makes CT scans invaluable for early detection and accurate diagnosis of many conditions.
What Can CT Scans Detect?
CT scans are versatile diagnostic tools capable of detecting a wide range of conditions:
- Cancers and tumors
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Abdominal mass
- Bone and joint disorders
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Lung and chest problems
- Brain abnormalities
- Spinal cord injuries
- Kidney and bladder stones
How to Prepare For a CT Scan
Preparation for a CT scan is usually straightforward, but your doctor may provide specific instructions based on the area being scanned. Generally, you should:
- Inform your doctor of any allergies, especially to contrast materials
- Mention if you’re pregnant or might be pregnant
- List all medications you’re taking
- Follow any fasting instructions if given—you will be typically requested to not eat anything four hours before a scan or you can only drink clear liquids
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Remove metal objects like jewelry, dentures, or hearing aids
For some CT scans, you may need to drink a contrast solution or receive an intravenous (IV) injection of contrast material. This helps certain tissues or blood vessels show up more clearly in the images. That being said, you may also be requested to have a blood test first before your schedule.
What Happens When You Go in For a CT Scan?
When you arrive for your CT scan, here’s what you can typically expect:
- You’ll change into a hospital gown if necessary.
- A technologist will position you on the usually narrow CT table, usually lying on your back.
- The table will move slowly through the CT scanner, with the X-ray tube also rotating around you.
- You’ll be asked to lie still and may need to hold your breath briefly at times, as movement may lead to blurry images.
- The technologist will operate the scanner from a separate room but will be able to see and communicate with you throughout the procedure.
- You might hear whirring or buzzing noises as the scanner rotates around you.
The actual scanning process is painless and non-invasive. If contrast material is used, you might feel a warm sensation or experience a metallic taste in your mouth, but these effects are temporary.
How Long Does a CT Scan Take
One of the advantages of CT scans is their speed. Most CT scans take around 30 minutes, depending on the part of the body being scanned and whether contrast material is used. Some more complex scans might take longer, but it’s rare for a CT scan to last more than an hour.
Does a CT Scan Detect All Cancers?
CT scans are particularly effective at identifying:
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
Prostate, uterine, and some liver cancers, on the other hand, are quite invisible, so they’re hard to detect on a CT Scan.
However, the scan cannot essentially detect cancer on its own, but it does help a lot in identifying certain masses in the body and determining where exactly they are and how large they have grown. It basically provides healthcare providers suggestions on whether a mass may be cancerous or not. To truly confirm, a biopsy is usually required for a definitive cancer diagnosis.
Get Comprehensive CT Scan Services at Craft Concierge
If you or someone you care about has been advised to undergo a CT scan, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. While these scans can help detect serious conditions, they’re equally valuable for routine check-ups and ongoing monitoring, offering peace of mind and clarity.
At Craft Concierge, we get how important it is to have quick, accurate results when it comes to your health.
Our membership-based healthcare approach gives you access to advanced imaging services without the usual insurance headaches, so you can focus on what really matters—your health.